Indians (Relations)

Mostly general reports of plans to deal with Indian attacks, often using friendly Indian auxiliaries; mention of missionaries involved in organizing defense efforts; more specific passages listed below. F.88-89 mentions need to melt down tin, lead from five presidios (no names) to cast bullets; mentions Spanish civilians left in presidio guarded by 20 Indian soldiers (vague). F.90 describes in detail carnage left by Indian attack in Barranca. F.91 mentions finding mutilated body of Luna. F.99 reports apprehension, questioning of five Naiarites, one of whom is Don Pedro, gobernador of Santissima Trinidad; goes on to describe round-up of Naiarites in Ocotan for protection, recruiting soldiers. (A. Dean, January 1990)

F.60 mentions Indian bow & arrow soldiers under command of Ybarra. Ff.60-61 describe non-violent encounters between groups of soldiers, armed Indians. F.62 Lubieriaga writes grovelling letter to comandante general asking why he is out of favor. Ff.63-64 Flores writes of threat of Indian attack on Jesus Maria; insufficient people, equipment for defense. F.65 Luberiaga suggests moving Jesus Maria to better site before all are killed. F.66 request for ammo; mentions gobernador Julian declaring that revolt at Tacualoya is put down. F.67 mentions an interpreter (no name) of Cora Alias Naiarit, tecualme, Mexicano, Castellano. Ff.67-87 are general, repetitive reports from missionaries, capitanes describing defense of towns in Nayarit; military assistance, escort of settlers. (A. Dean, January 1990)

F.18 is status report on Collera (chaingang) of Indians being escorted to Mexico by soldiers from Pasaje. Ff.19-30 are general reports on efforts to convert Indians in small pueblos; defense of pueblos. Seems to be establishing discreet jurisdictions, outlining problems of a few of these, for appointment of a missionary and/or Coronel to be responsible for each. F.27 mentions Geronimo de la Cruz as interpreter for cora, Alias Naiarit; tecualme; Mexicana; y castellana. (A. Dean, January 1990)

Letters by Arreola, Arredondo concerning organization of patriot forces against rebels. F.112 begins discussion of art of war, practical applications toward defeating rebels; list of loyal troops, count of men in each totaling 11,000, from Almagres, Comanches and allies, regular troops and auxiliaries, private forces of Gutierrez y Seroi and maritionez. F.113 speaks of threat of attack by English or English-supported rebels at Victoria; fear of invasion planned by English agents in new Orleans, points northeast. F.115 mentions war with creeks, battle of alabama. F.118 describes appointing Vidai captains, menion destruction of ships of gavilla de ori at Matagorda; list of Indian tribes willing to support patriots in war. Interesting, informative documents. (A. Dean, November 1989)

Inventory of gifts received from Lipanes as peace offerings for years 1802 and 1803. Value of each gift estimated. Offerings included cigars, sweets, corn, cattle, mules, and other livestock (A. Tukey, January 1989).

Autos of residencia against Bustillos y Zevallos by edict of king and ordered by viceroy to comply with laws which investigates administration of governor at end of his term. Investigation is by governor Sandobal questioning all personnel involved with administration under Bustillo and Indian heads and people at large in province. Also lists of documents, inventories of arms and stores issued to province under governor's care. (A. Dell'acqua, February 1988)

Various documents to viceroy including letters from Bustillo about his walk for a month from presidio Bahia to Adays to take over office of governor, carrying supplies of flour, cattle, horses, sheep, clothing, describing hardship and lack of watering holes thru journey. Bustillo indicates to viceroy his perception about Indians of area stressing his wanting to remain friendly with them, governor visits each town for 24 hours, sending his own horse to bring to a meeting a doubting chief. Governor wants to replace soldiers of color quebrado who he thinks are not to smart as Spaniards, fills Plaza of liutenant and Alferez for presidio in temporary Basis as title holders are sick, pays salaries to soldiers stressing not to advance monies in liu of salary but only providing soldiers with supplies. Governor makes lists of inventories of crown properties including armament, makes a military roll in which copy he calls himself gobernador y capitan general de las provincias de Thexas y Nueva philipinas, governor also indicates lack of gunpowder for cannons; reports trade between Frenchmen and Indians, French bring vegetables to trade for soap, tobacco, Chocolate with soldiers of presidio. Two Frenchmen request license to trade openly with Indians but governor negates license as he believes there are to many arms and ammunition among Indians which he believes the French have provided. (A. Dell'acqua, January 1988)

Medina, representing Berdugo, asks that Berdugo be paid a stipend for being of immeasurable service to the government in keeping peace in Seri nacion, fighting Apache attacks. Medina, Nava, Echeagaray attest to his loyalty and use. Revilla Gigedo concedes a wage of 12 pesos monthly. (A. Dean, may 1989)

Francisco and six families of Seris returned to Pitic on August 30, looking very hungry. Speaks of rations of grain, meat. Mentions agreement made when Seris first conceded peace in 1784. Tiburones, Tepocas embracing christianity, should be used as examples for Seris. Discussion of process for religious education for Young, older Indians. Lists Seris in reduccion, amount of grain each receives weekly Chepillo declared guilty (charge unclear) by entire Seri nation, is to be deported. Speaks of purchase of livestock for Seris. (A. Dean, may 1989)

All Seris except Chepillo and family flee Pitic on July 15, 1790. Chepillo imprisoned. Detachment sent to Cerro Prieto to find and reconcile ingrates, begin new reduccion. Since Seris aren't raiding, revealing location, troop can't find them. With Seris gone, Ugarte y Loyola cuts off supplies ordered by bishop of Sonora for Seri mission. Francisco, two envoys come to Pitic to negotiate better arrangement. Seris want independent nation, to trade fish, antelope with Spaniards for grain, to participate in christianity only when they want. No deal made, but Seris start appearing for mass at Banamichi. Mora named missionary there. Seris slowly trickle back to Pitic. Occasional brief references to plan for staging campaign against frontier Apaches. 450 men, including Opatas, Pimas reserved for fighting. (A. Dean, may 1989)